Frequently Asked Question's - GEOARM Security®

FAQ's by the DIYer!

GEOARM employees are always willing to answer any questions you may have about our products and services.Below is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions. Thank you for choosing GeoArm for your DIY business and home security systems. You can reach a representative by calling 1-877-4-GEOARM (877-443-6276) or contact us in the event you have questions not answered below. Please click on a question below to proceed to the following answer.

I have been thinking about getting a security system but do not know much about them. I want more information?

A security system consists of a control panel that is usually located in a remote area of the house such as a closet or laundry room. This panel is the "brains" of the security system and receives signals from all the devices/sensors when you arm your system. Once the signals are received the control panel transmits the signals to GeoArm’s central station monitoring center where trained operators interpret the signals and dispatch the proper authorities. Get started with a GeoArm wireless security alarm system today.

I have heard I can receive a 20% discount on my homeowner's insurance. How do I go about receiving this discount?

Depending on which insurance company you use, you may be eligible to receive up to a 20% discount on your homeowner's insurance. In many cases this discount can more than make up for GeoArm’s monthly monitoring rate. Once you go online with GeoArm, we will issue you a certificate of alarm. Simply mail/fax that certificate to your insurance company as proof that your location is monitored. They will then be able to apply whatever discount they may offer. Remember, fire alarm monitoring may provide you with an even greater discount!

I have a dog, cat, or other pet. Does that mean I can't use motion detectors?

No, motion detector technology has come a long way and most manufacturers now offer a "pet immune" version of their sensor. These "pet immune" sensors have reduced sensitivity so that an animal under a certain size will not activate an alarm. Sensors are usually sold with "pet immunity" weights such as 40 or 80 lbs. Additionally, you can always mask off the bottom of your motion detector lens so that it will not pick up motion at the ground level. This allows your animal free range while still protecting you against real intruders.

I already have smoke detectors that were installed when my house was built, why would I need additional smoke detectors tied into my security system?

The battery operated smoke detector that you refer to is a simple life safety device. It has a local siren built into the detector that ensures no one will be trapped in your house during a real fire. A smoke detector that is tied into your burglar system is meant to add a second layer of protection in the event no one is home when the smoke detector is activated. The control panel will send the alarm signal as a fire alarm and the GeoArm operator will then dispatch the fire department instead of the police department with the intention of saving your property from complete damage.

I see you offer "wireless" burglar alarm systems. Are they as reliable as wired systems, and are they as easy to use?

Yes, wireless devices have come a long way since they were first introduced and are now even more reliable than traditional hard wired systems. By investing in a wireless system you not only pay less initially as the installation is much easier, but you also save in the long run as service can be performed by anyone. No metering hidden wires or checking every device to see what is causing the problem. Each wireless device runs on long-life batteries and reports back to the control panel multiple times a day. If the control panel ever misses a report from a device you know right away which device is faulty saving the cost of troubleshooting an entire wired system.

Wireless security systems are also very easy to use as you can move devices around as needs change. Additionally, wireless systems have devices such as wireless key fobs, similar to a remote car alarm key, that can arm and disarm your security system with a touch of a button. If you have your hands full as you enter your house you no longer have to rush to deactivate your alarm, simply press the button before you enter and be assured of no false alarms.

If my system reports to GeoArm using my phone line, what happens if my phone line is cut or out of service?

That is a great question! Fortunately, GeoArm has very flexible communication paths. You can either add a cellular radio as added line security or you can use an Ethernet connection as your main communication path. With the cellular radio there is no line to cut and works under any conditions. These radios can be backups or primary communicators. With these options you can even eliminate your traditional phone line and enjoy further monthly savings.

What if I lose power at my location? Will my security system still work?

Yes, most security systems come equipped with a battery backup. These battery backups usually work for 24 hours when new but lose effectiveness as they get older. You should make it a habit to periodically test the battery backup on your security system.

We strive to educate our customers as best we can to eliminate the chance of user error, but we understand accidents happen. Simply call GeoArm’s central station at 1(800)318-9486 and you will be connected to a dispatch operator. They will ask you for your passcode cancellation to confirm your identity and then cancel the dispatch.

Make sure to call GeoArm's central alarm monitoring station (Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 5:00pm ET) to put your account on test while you replace the batteries of your security devices. This test is done free of charge for our monitoring clients.

1. Call GeoArm at 1-877-443-6276.2. Give GeoArm agent your name, address, account number (CSID) and false alarm password.3. Ask us to place your security system on test mode for 1 hour.4. For the next hour you can cause alarms without the police, fire, or other departments being notified.5. Please arm your security system and wait for exit delay (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 or 90 seconds delay) to expire.6. Open your door and windows.7. Walk in front of your motion detectors.8. If you have an emergency button such as a panic button, go and press it.9. Repeat steps 7, 8 as many times as desired.10. Disarm your system using your keypad or keyfob.11. After doing a complete test, contact GeoArm at 1-877-443-6276.12. Call GeoArm to verify your alarm signals were received, Ask GeoArm to place your account off test mode.

In the event that your system is not working properly, please call us at 1-877-443-6276 to have an alarm technician set up a remote service call to solve the issue.

If you own your system and it is wireless, simply take it down and install it at your new location. Once installed click here to move your service to your new address. If you do not own your system or if it is hardwired, upgrade today to your very own wireless security system for your new location.

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Can GeoArm monitor my existing system?

Yes, GeoArm has software to remotely reprogram systems from most major manufacturers. Some security companies use proprietary equipment to prevent other companies from taking over their systems. In the instance that your control panel is locked out and we cannot remotely program it, we have a phone line digital diverter device that will allow your locked out panel to be monitored by GeoArm. Switch to GeoArm Central Station Alarm Monitoring today.